Background:

Progressive neurological diseases can set specific challenges for palliative care services. Because they are relatively rare in palliative care, clinicians may not be well prepared to provide optimal care. Our organisation is in a fortunate position to benefit from the expertise of our member organisation to address the issues of some progressive neurological conditions (PND) at End-of-Life.

Methods

We expanded the role of our existing Motor Neurone Disease Coordinator to undertake data analysis: and consultation to determine the focus of our initiative and decided on Parkinson’s Disease.

A regional workforce survey was conducted to identify workforce development needs.

Strategic partnerships were developed to develop a collaborative action plan.

Results;

We were privileged to attract the assistance of imminent clinical leaders.

The initiative has resulted in:

·         A practical resource that has been distributed across Australia and New Zealand and has attracted very positive feedback.

·         An adapted resource for the Residential Aged Care sector

·         A training program for staff in palliative care and aged care services

Further initiatives, including referral guides for movement disorder clinics are in progress.